By Maylin Rodriguez-Paez, RN

Many scientists have suggested that our teeth play a vital role in our overall health. In the last couple of years, a number of studies have shown a link between poor oral health and the development of diseases.

For example, one study demonstrated that people with dental problems were more likely to get heart disease.1 A more recent study even linked poor oral health to an increased risk of cancer and death.2

Fortunately, nature has given us the tools we need to keep our mouths in good shape.

Not only can natural ingredients help us keep our teeth clean and healthy, in certain instances, they can be gentler and more effective than the typical ingredients found in your “everyday” dental products.

Now, “going natural” doesn’t mean you should discard your toothbrush and toothpaste (we wouldn’t want that). Instead, what it means is this: You can improve your teeth by eating right and by switching to dental products that contain natural ingredients.

Now that we know that oral health can be improved naturally, let’s look at some tips on how to do just that.

Natural Ingredients for Good Oral Hygiene

The foundation of oral health is brushing and flossing after every meal. So, let’s start there.

Here are some natural ingredients to look for when selecting a natural toothpaste:

Results are mixed, but there is some research showing eating apples may reduce the amount of plaque on teeth.16

Healthy Alternatives to Store-Bought Mouthwashes

Mouthwashes can also be a helpful addition to your mouth care routine. Often skipped during our nightly teeth-cleaning rituals, using a mouthwash can help to kill bad bacteria and soothe inflamed gums.

However, a number of store-bought mouthwashes are harsh and have even been linked to cancer.17

Want a mouthwash with safe and effective ingredients? Make your own at home. Key ingredients to use include chamomile, propolis, aloe, grapefruit seed extract, clove, peppermint, tea tree oil, green tea, and even cinnamon.

Below is a homemade mouthwash recipe courtesy of Breath MD18:

Recipe: Baking Soda Mouthwash:

1 cup of water

1 tsp of baking soda

4 drops of pure peppermint oil

4 drops of tea tree oil

Mix ingredients

What You Need to Know

Remember — good health starts in your mouth. By taking care of your teeth, not only will you look better, but you could make a long-lasting impact on your overall health and prevent disease.

Practicing good oral hygiene and making appropriate dietary changes are the foundation to oral health. And you should always remember that the use of natural ingredients is a safe and effective way to protect your teeth.

I could only say... wow such a nice post i found ever. Really Maylin the way you points out the dental problems and their issues is appreciating. Thanks Maylin for making us conscious for our dental care.Dentist in Northridge CA

Poor oral hygiene leads to bad breath because when food particles are left in your mouth, they can rot and start to smell. The food bits may begin to collect bacteria, which can be smelly, too.This further results in. So you need to Stop gum disease at its primary stage.

Great article. Nice information shared. By keeping oral naturally we can be infection free. By taking proper care of teeth it will look good and younger. Regular dental check-up can prevent the oral problems. Thanks a lot.

Thanks for the article and amazing tips. Earlier, when I was 25 I had to undergo root canal procedure, it all happened because of my bad habit of not keeping good oral hygiene. When my dentist told me about root canal I was afraid, but I had no other option. Since then I am very cautious toward good oral hygiene and I am always looking for natural products for my teethes